One More Weekend (Sapphics in the City #5)

38. Jenna

38

JENNA

I’d taken a hightop table in the backyard of the downtown bar, holding a stool for Tommy while I ordered happy hour drinks. The good thing having been her assistant was that I knew exactly what her favorite drink was.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Tommy burst through the patio door and threw herself down in the chair. It was rare to see her so disheveled. I’d only ever known her to be put together and tough as nails, ready for anything the world might throw at her.

“Partners kept you late?” I teased, knowing that Tommy often had ridiculous meetings at the end of the day.

Rolling her eyes, Tommy took a sip of the elderberry cocktail I’d ordered for her. “Oh fuck, that’s good.” She blew out some hot air as she caught her breath. “The firm has gotten so pushy about our client lists, it’s driving me crazy.”

It was a familiar complaint, something Tommy warned me was starting to happen at SDO when I'd started but had gotten progressively worse over the course of my internship.

“That’s a real shame.” I shook my head, knowing how hard it was to manage creative clients with someone else’s vision hanging over everything she did.

Clapping her hands together, Tommy sat up. “So, tell me about you. How has your job hunt been going?”

My shoulders dropped immediately, a bit of shame creeping up my spine. “Well, I’m moving back west on Friday, so not great.”

“Shit. Really? Man, I’m really sorry. I really thought the one I got a call about was going to be it for you.” Tommy took another swig.

With a shrug, I twirled the stray in my cup. “Yeah, it’s a shame but I’ll work at my parents’ firm for a while and build up some savings. Hopefully, something will open up over there.”

Lifting her eyebrows, Tommy sighed. “Can I still put you in for East Coast jobs? Selfishly, I really want you to stay. You’re the best intern I’ve ever had.”

I laughed, the compliment both sweet and funny. “Sure, why not?”

“Maybe I’ll end up with a job for you.” Pursing her lips, Tommy took a cheeky sip and eyed me.

“What do you mean?” My forehead wrinkled as I leaned in, curious what that brain might be stirring up.

Looking over her shoulder, Tommy decided whether or not to spill her secrets. “Well, I’ve just been feeling restricted. And I’m wondering if it may be time to strike out on my own.”

Eye wide, I scoffed. “Really? You without oversight sounds dangerous.”

“Maybe. But I just can’t stand the way they treat the clients, even Ari hates that shit.” Tommy shrugged and leaned back into the stool as she looked up at the wisteria growing over the pergola.

Tommy had been the perfect boss, one of the only agents I’d really loved working for. When I thought about my future, I imagined being like her. She was strong, powerful, and kind. Her clients always came first.

Polishing off my own drink, I shrugged. “Well, if you ever do decide to take the leap, I’d move back here in a heartbeat to work for you.”

“Really?” Tommy smiled, her mind already churning. “You mean that?”

I nodded. “Yeah of course. I’d kill to work for just you.”

Taking note of the information, Tommy moved on to help me strategize my next move.

I tried to stop myself from getting too comfortable with the idea that Tommy would somehow swoop in to save me. More than likely, she’d just had a shit day at work and needed to blow off some steam – something I’d never seen while I’d worked there since we were in the office all day.

No, I was stuck like this for now. I’d have to find a way back to New York on my own. And I’d just have to hope that Sy would be waiting for me.